Makalidurga Trek
Trek at a glance
Trek highlights
Yes, there are plenty of treks to choose from at Plan The Unplanned – so why should you consider a Makalidurga trek booking? An evident and genuine question and here are just some reasons why:
- The trek starts unlike any other, besides a railway track
- This thrilling trail combines easy walking paths as well as stone-studded ways
- On your way to the top, take a moment with the ruins of a once resplendent Makalidurga fort
- Witness nature at its most abundant, including spotting a lake that might remind you of the South American continent
- A small temple, dedicated to Makali Maheshwara, sits between the ruins, awaiting those with a spiritual bent of mind
And then of course there is the fact that we plan the unplanned, we. Our enthusiastic trek leaders will be there for you, every step of the way (literally and figuratively). From solo female travellers to fitness fanatics, this trek is designed for anyone who wants to disconnect from the chaos of daily life and reconnect with their inner self.
Trek itinerary
- Have breakfast along the way
- Reach the trek base at 8:30 am
- Climb to the peak (2 hours)
- Explore Makalidurga fort
- Start descent
- Reach the base at 1:00 pm
- Stop for lunch en route
- Reach Bangalore by 5:00 pm
Trek detail itinerary
Our adventure starts well before the sun is up, with a group of sleepy-eyed faces gradually brightening with anticipation in Bengaluru. After getting everybody on board the ride starts off with light conversations and some ice-breaking games. Soon strangers begin to feel like a team.
A brief halt on the way with the familiar South Indian breakfast - crispy dosas, fluffy idlis and the most important, a rejuvenating cup of filter coffee. Stomachs satisfied and hearts content, we head on down the base of Makalidurga Hill, where the REAL magic starts.
The path meets us with rocky terrain and some scattered bushes and climbs up through dry forests and open meadows. The higher we go, the better the view, the fresher the breeze and the feeling of being out of the noise. Be sure to watch (and listen) to the birds and long lake vistas - there are peaceful surprises along this trail.
On the summit is the wreck of a lost fort - old weather-stained walls, upon which the story of the past is written in stone. Beyond this point the scenery extends forever, with hills melting away in the distance and a quiet lake sparkling in the foreground. Here we have a rest, well-deserved rest. Soaking it all in, and of course, clicking those well-earned summit photos.
The climb down is easy while we are retracing our steps down the hill. At the base, we board the bus and head to a local joint nearby to have a self-sponsored lunch - an ideal place to relive the day over hot meals.
As the city skyline is coming back into sight, a kind of silent satisfaction is in the air. One really good day, some memories and your body just waiting for you to hit your pillow.
Inclusions
Exclusions
Pickup points
PTU in a nutshell
Treks, backpacking trips & international tours with Plan The Unplanned
Weekend escapes you didn’t know you needed
Fellow travellers! Take a meaningful break from life to soak up raw, real & unforgettable moments in nature. With unfiltered experiences, a team of trained outdoor leaders, and a like-minded community.
Experience your firsts. Conquer your fears. Step out of your comfort zone. All of this and more with your new strangers-turned-tribe on every trip.
Never trek alone again
Soulful stays
No pressure, no rush
Unplanned magic
Leave no trace policy
Responsible travel
Things to carry
Here is all that you will carry on this trek:
Policy and terms
All refund or cancellation requests must be submitted exclusively via email to [email protected]. Requests made by call or WhatsApp will not be accepted.
If you cancel your booking
In the event that YOU cancel your trek, this is the cancellation policy:
Cancellation Fee
20% of the total invoice
Cancellation Fee
65% of the total invoice
Cancellation Fee
100% of the total invoice
30 days or more before scheduled date
Cancellation Fee
20% of the total invoice
15–29 days before scheduled date
Cancellation Fee
65% of the total invoice
0–15 days before scheduled date
Cancellation Fee
100% of the total invoice
Last-minute cancellations on the day of or the day before trek departure
Last-minute cancellations made on the day of trek departure or the day before are not eligible for a refund or rescheduling, regardless of the reason (such as work commitments, family emergencies, or health).
Reschedule your booking on the day of trek departure
Should you choose to postpone your booking to a future date, an additional fee of ₹1500 per person will be incurred. This postponement option is valid for a period of 3 months from your original trek departure date.
Aranya Vihara treks and permits
Permit fees for treks obtained under Aranya Vihara are non-refundable in the event of customer cancellation.
If plan the unplanned cancel your booking
In the event that WE postpone or cancel your trek, this is the cancellation policy:
During or after the trek
In the event of severe weather or other safety concerns, we may shorten a trek day or abandon the trek entirely. No refunds will be issued in such circumstances, as your safety is our top priority.
Prior to the trek
If we cancel a trek due to natural disasters (such as rainstorm, flood, landslide, earthquake) or unanticipated political disturbances (such as curfews, local riots, government orders, forest department directives), Plan The Unplanned will issue a voucher for the full value of your ticket. Please note that payment gateway charges will be deducted from this refund.
Insufficient reservations
If we cancel a trek due to insufficient reservations or lack of participants for a specific batch, a refund of 96% of the trek money will be issued. Please note that payment gateway charges will be deducted from this refund.
Trek guidelines
To ensure everyone has a great time and knows what to expect, please read these important points:
No alcohol or smoking
For everyone’s safety and enjoyment, please don’t consume alcohol, intoxicants, or smoke at any point during the journey or trek.
Dinner before boarding
Kindly complete your dinner before you board the bus.
Travel arrangements
We’ll arrange transportation based on our group size. If there are 12 or fewer of us, we’ll use a tempo traveler. For groups of 13 or more, it’ll be a mini-bus. Both options are non-AC and have push-back seats for your comfort. We appreciate your understanding regarding our travel logistics.
"Without Travel" option
If you prefer to arrange your own transportation to the destination (the homestay), be sure to book the “Without Travel” option when you sign up. Please note: If you select this, you’ll need a private car for your entire trip. Public transport won’t work, as our Day 2 activities begin directly from the homestay and require continuous private car access to ensure you can fully participate in all planned activities.
Embrace the outdoors
Our trips are about getting out into nature, often in remote locations. Please don’t expect luxury accommodations; we focus on providing comfortable basic facilities.
Food provided
We’ll provide basic, vegetarian meals. We do not serve non-vegetarian food.
Leave no trace policy
Please help us keep our beautiful outdoors clean by disposing of all litter properly.
Personal belongings
You are responsible for your personal belongings, valuables, and jewelry. Plan The Unplanned is not liable for any lost items.
Potential delays
While we strive to be on schedule, please be aware that traffic delays or vehicle breakdowns can sometimes occur, leading to slight delays in reaching our destination.
FAQs
You’ll get an event heads-up email by Thursday of the trip week. It includes:
- Exact pickup points with timings
- Your Outdoor Leader’s name and phone number
- A quick list of do’s & don’ts
Batches available
Tickets
With Travel - Bangalore
₹ 1,599/-
Without Travel - Arrange Your Own Transport
₹ 899/-
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